LAZIO IDENTIFY LUCAS LEIVA REPLACEMENT

Lazio have identified the man to replace the ageing Lucas Leivaat the club according to the publication from La Gazzettadello Sport.

The Italian newspaper revealed that Spezia midfielder Matteo Ricci has been penciled down at Lazio as a potential replacement for Lucas Leiva. Ricci has been one of the best players for VicenzoItaliano's side in the Italian Serie A. He is a key part of the Spezia team in the Italian Serie A this season.

Lucas Leiva is in the veteran stage of his career as a footballer at the age of 34. The Brazilian international has an existing contract at Lazio until the end of next season. The former Liverpool player has been a regular in the Lazio starting XI throughout this season as the capital club chase down a spot in the Champions League via the league this season.

It was disclosed by the aforementioned report that Lazio see Ricci as the man who could replace Lucas Leivawith the club unlikely to offer the Brazilian midfielder a new deal beyond the current one that expires in 2022.

Ricci, 26, is a product of the youth system at AS Roma and it remains to be seen if he would fancy a move to city rivals Lazio. He has made 28 appearances for Spezia in all competitions this season to amass a total of 2143 minutes. In addition, the midfielder has been successful with 85.4% of his passes. He has attempted to make 1501 passes in the colours of Spezia this season. Ricci has made a total of 65 tackles and interceptions.

The midfield numbers from Ricci suggest that he would be an able replacement for a consistent performer like Lucas Leiva who has been in good form for the Italian Serie A capital club in recent games. Lucas received rave reviews for his performance in the last league game, a 3-0 win at home to AC Milan. The result ensured that Lazio move within just two points off the Champions League places.